“I’m impressed. It really looks like something I would play with my daughter.” Christian Svensson (SVP Capcom)

We are back to Kickstarter, because we believe in the power of crowdfunding. We succeeded with our previous campaign, we met our goal and we delivered on our promises, releasing Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams to multiple platforms before we set our sights on a new project.

This time we are set on creating a new game from the ground up, completely from scratch. New ideas, new concept, from beginning to end, no holds barred.

That's why we are here. Creating a game this way is risky, it might get dirty, but we really wouldn’t have it any another way! Kickstarter puts all the creative power in our hands and we don't want to waste this gift of freedom in order to play it safe. We will be looking for possible distribution deals in the future to further support the project, but the creative control will remain with us.

Ravensdale is based on classic arcade shooters like Contra and Metal Slug, but focuses heavily on co-op interactions between players. For example, while you rapidly pull yourself towards and past your buddies, they block projectiles heading your way and feed an overdrive mode to boost the entire team! We’re also pushing for strong interactivity between player characters, enemies and the levels to provide a wider range of tactical options to both solo players and assault teams.

Positioning is important in Ravensdale, and situations keep shifting depending on enemy spawns and attacks, your weapon loadout, what you kill or destroy and when, moving parts of the level and what your buddies are doing, should you have some at your side.

Smooth balance between single player and co-op

While Ravensdale is going to make co-operative play as rewarding as possible, single-player is not a stripped-down co-op mode – co-op builds on single player and expands it. For example, an enemy bearing a heavy shield can be brute-forced by shooting or slamming the shield until it breaks, outmaneuvered and attacked from the back, reduced to a fine paste by hazards, or the shield can be simply ignored by using a piercing weapon that hits all enemies in its path. Co-op offers you the additional option of sandwiching the enemy, assuring that one player always hits its unshielded side.

Ravensdale will be stuffed to the gills with different strategies and tactics to discover, and they will all be dependent on the context. To take the example above, you may not always want to sandwich a shielded enemy. At a given moment, the other player could be more valuable manning a turret to stop an onrushing horde or catching and detonating shrapnel bombs rebounding all over the place.

Example feature: the Arc Connector

A feature we are currently experimenting with in the prototype is a little something we call the Arc Connector. The Arc Connector consists of an indestructible hovering generator that feeds your suit of armor with lightning. If you have teammates, they share the Arc Connector with you, and it adapts to the entire group’s movement.
The Arc Connector offers the following range of interactions:

1. You can pull yourself towards the generator at breakneck speed, hurtling past it like on a giant rubber band, smashing and grabbing all enemies and objects on your path. In multiplayer, you have more control over the positioning of the generator and can set up some advanced tactics.

2. You can also use a softer pull to use the lightning arc like a rope to dangle and swing over precipices, or change the direction of your jumps and dashes. In multiplayer, you can use this to quickly pull yourself to another player’s location or “piggyback” his movement.

3. You can block and capture enemy bullets with the arc and convert them to energy that feeds the generator. While this happens, the lightning arc damages and stuns all enemies it hits. In multiplayer, you can block shots that would hit your buddies, and you can coordinate your movement to zap enemies more efficiently.

4. You can use your share of the accumulated energy to fuel an overdrive that greatly boosts your weapon. In addition, this causes a feedback that shares your weapon’s main characteristic with your teammates, for example granting them the incendiary or piercing ability.

Please note that the gameplay is still in the prototyping stage and won’t exactly match the moves you see in the video’s mockups. Those exist to get an idea of the look and feel and have been developed in parallel. We’ll keep the best elements from gameplay and visuals, and build on those.

RAVENSDALE WILL LAUNCH ON PC. While we do consider other platforms, releasing the game is top priority and any other platforms will be considered after that goal has been met.

It's thanks to people like you that we were able to make Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams. It's thanks to the community that
we could focus all our attention and creativity on that project, without influence
from publishers or investors. This is what makes Kickstarter such a great place
in our opinion.

We want to
do it again because we believe that, in the end, we work for YOU. Kickstarter has
shown us a much closer contact to the people who play our games than the
traditional model. We don’t want to water down our vision because of
constraints like mainstream market appeal. We want to make a game YOU are
enthusiastic about, and there is no better way than crowdfunding to do that.
Every cent we earn in this campaign will be put to the project and nothing else
until we release the game to the public and beyond.

Of course,
we want to do more. The basic game is outlined above, but there is so much more
we could do with it! However at this point in time, we want to focus all our attention on the main game and to make it as awesome as possible.

As soon as it becomes clear that there will be significant additional funding, we will share details about the additional goals for the game. The design for the game allows for a modular approach to expanding the game, so once we reach that bridge, we will share further details with you!

Not only managers and directors, but deep in the trenches of development: combining over half a century of experience in the gaming industry, our 5 founders are committed to deliver fun and entertaining games!

The Voice of Ravensdale, Mark Meer!

The Music of Ravensdale, In Extremo!

Rock on!

Medieval Metal band In Extremo is joining us for this project! You can check out their webpage by clicking on any of the images above and be sure to go to Facebook and YouTube if you haven't already.

Teaming up with In Extremo for this project is a dream come true for us! Stay tuned for more information!

The Story of Ravensdale, Lisa Smedman!

Lisa Smedman is a Vancouver-born author who has agreed to collaborate with us on Ravensdale! She will write several short-stories and also advise on the world and lore of Ravensdale throughout the production. We are very fortunate to have her on the team!

So, we
promised we would make you part of the development of the game and we intend to
do that to the fullest amount possible.

Pledging
for our game will give you voting rights (starting at the Scouting Pack). These
voting rights will get important throughout the production process. After the
campaign closes, we will have several design decisions that need to be made and
these, we will put up for vote. The way this works, is that we will announce certain
feature/content related design choices (we will have the details worked out and
present them to you before) and this will be put to a vote by the community.

This can
range from level elements to enemy types to missions. In this
way, we will enable our community to decide which way to go at certain points
in production.

Some of our Rewards! More to come!

Risks and challenges

The risks with Ravensdale are typical risks related to game development.

Development time:
We are aiming at a release in the second quarter of 2014. This is the result of a strict calculation of all efforts needed based on 20 years of experience in game development. This calculation includes buffers for any unforeseen but, to be honest, inevitable challenges during development, like management not being able to stop developers polishing or adding more and more content (the infamous ‘just one more’). It’s always challenging to estimate the prototyping time required to find the perfect gameplay or the testing you need to get the ideal balancing. With these buffers and based on the previous performance of our team we are confident on delivering in time if we keep the original planned budget. We’ve always been known for meeting crazy deadlines.

If we will get higher funding than planned through Kickstarter or caused by Kickstarter we will put more resources on the project but we will keep the planned release date.

Technical risk:
This is our first multiplayer platformer. The game code has to be built with the network requirements in mind (e.g. bandwith, ping requirements). Also the lobbies are something to be handled. Steamworks is offering good solutions here. With the Giana tech we have a solid base to build on and our dedicated tech and tools team is ready for this challenge.

Game design:
We give you as much insight as possible on what we want to do, how it will look and where we are right now. The final game will be at at least at the quality level you can see in the mockups, and we will likely top that. Take a look at the material we provided already. If you like it, you will love the finished game. Therefore: Please make it happen! It’s now in your hands.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 5 or more
About $5

OBSERVER - Get it started! You get access to our backer-only development forum where we share the latest news ahead of press releases. You will also receive regular e-mails with important updates or announcements regarding the campaign and production and will receive a spiffy Grunt level forum badge showing your commitment.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 15 or more
About $15

ADVANCE SCOUT PACK - Those willing to help from the start get a digital release copy of the game at a reduced price! This tier contains the same benefits as the SCOUT PACK, but is limited, so get them while they’re hot!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 18 or more
About $18

SCOUT PACK - Get a DIGITAL COPY of the game, along with a VOTING slot to influence the game as it is in production. See the explanation of the voting system on the main site for details. You also get a Scout level forum badge, developer forum access and e-mail updates about Ravensdale before the rest of the world.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 28 or more
About $28

DIGITAL STARTER PACK - You get all the benefits of the SCOUT PACK. In addition, you get a backer-exclusive BANNER FOR YOUR IN-GAME CHARACTER which shows off your support to other players. You also get a PDF of The Art of Ravensdale!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 30 or more
About $30

SCOUT BUDDIES PACK - Contains TWO SCOUT PACKS. Ravensdale is best enjoyed with friends so here is your chance to grab TWO DIGITAL COPIES of the game at a reduced price to honor your early commitment! You can assign the second pack to a person of your choosing.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 50 or more
About $50

BETA ASSAULT PACK - You get access to the CLOSED BETA events! Play Ravensdale early and help us even more to make the game as good as it can be. Your feedback will be critical to polishing the game and to honor that, your name will appear in the credits! Additionally contains all the rewards and benefits of the DIGITAL SOUND PACK plus an Assault level forum badge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $65 or more
About $65

GET PHYSICAL PACK - This pack contains a RELEASE COPY of the game in an Amaray case for your collection! Additionally, you will get a Ravensdale BACKER PIN and a collection of four Ravensdale CONCEPT ART PRINTS. You also gain the digital benefits of the DIGITAL SOUND PACK!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 65 or more
About $65

DIGITAL DELUXE PACK - You will receive a backer-exclusive WEAPON SKIN and CUSTOM WEAPON EFFECTS to wreak havoc like only a backer could ! This pack also includes all the benefits of the BETA ASSAULT PACK!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 80 or more
About $80

ALPHA ASSAULT PACK - You get ACCESS TO THE ALPHA of the game, playing it before anyone else! Keep in mind that this won’t be a finished game at the time and we may request specific tasks in order for the dev team to get the most benefit. However with this, you get the most involved in the production of Ravensdale. Your feedback will shape the game! In addition you receive all the rewards and benefits of the DIGITAL DELUXE PACK, plus an Alpha level forum badge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $105 or more
About $105

PHYSICAL DUAL PACK - Contains TWO GET PHYSICAL PACKS. Want to surprise a friend with a boxed copy? Ravensdale is meant to be played with friends, so use this chance to get two physical copies at a reduced price!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

PURE GAMING PACK - This pack contains a METAL DVD CASE WITH THE RELEASE COPY of the game, exclusive to the Kickstarter! In addition to this, you gain all the benefits of the ALPHA ASSAULT PACK, including access to the game’s Alpha and Beta stages. Game on!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

IN EXTREMO PACK - For In Extremo fans, we have a real treat! You get a copy of their NEWEST ALBUM “Kunstraub”, hand-signed by the band! In addition, you get the backer-exclusive WEAPON SKIN and CUSTOM WEAPON EFFECTS . This pack also includes all items from the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

BIG GRAB PACK - You will receive a HARDCOVER COPY OF THE ART OF RAVENSDALE BOOK, a RAVENSDALE T-SHIRT and a set of BFG DOG TAGS engraved with your name (or a name of your choosing). This tier also includes all rewards from the GET PHYSICAL PACK. Furthermore, you can participate in the CLOSED BETA of the game and you get an Assault level forum badge and your name in the credits of our game.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $275 or more
About $275

COLLECTOR PACK - You will receive an in-game, KICKSTARTER-EXCLUSIVE ARMOR for your character! In addition, this pack combines the BIG GRAB PACK and the GAMER EDITION PACK, giving you all the physical rewards along with the backer-exclusive metal DVD case. You also get a Hero level forum badge to show your commitment to our game in the forums! Your name will go into a special section in the credits, too!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

WALLSCROLL PACK - In addition to the contents of the COLLECTOR PACK, you will get a 60 cm by 120 cm printed cloth RAVENSDALE WALLSCROLL. Additionally, you can submit a PHRASE OR GREETING to us, which we will PUT INTO THE GAME for all players to see as posters or graffiti! (We reserve the right to ask for resubmissions if the message is unacceptable due to rating or content considerations.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (EINDHOVEN) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in EINDHOVEN (October 22nd, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (PARIS) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in PARIS (October 23rd, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (ZURICH) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in ZURICH (November 10th, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (BERLIN) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in BERLIN (November 16th, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (VIENNA) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in VIENNA (November 22nd, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (MUNICH) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in MUNICH (November 23rd, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (ERFURT) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in ERFURT (November 29th, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $777 or more
About $777

MEET IN EXTREMO (HAMBURG) PACK - ”Sieben” carries a special meaning for In Extremo and this is a special tier for In Extremo fans! You and a friend will be on the GUEST LIST of the concert in HAMBURG (November 1st, 2013), granting you access to the show. But before the show starts, you get to MEET IN EXTREMO in person, get a personal TOUR OF THE STAGE and more! In addition you get all the benefits of the IN EXTREMO BASIC PACK. Please see the FAQ for details.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

GET HEARD PACK - In addition to the contents of the SUBSCRIBER PACK, we will let you decide on what you want to hear (and everyone else hears) when creatures of Ravensdale attack! Orcs, goblins and other creatures will additionally use a phrase coined by you as a battle cry in-game. (We reserve the right to ask for resubmissions if the message is unacceptable due to rating or content considerations.) In addition, you will receive FOUR copies of the game!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

LIFETIME PACK - In addition to the contents of the GET HEARD PACK you will receive a LIFETIME DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION to all games made by Black Forest Games for ALL platforms the game is released on (see FAQ for details on the subscription)!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

MEET THE MAKERS - Whoa, you’re amazing! You gain all the benefits of the GET HEARD PACK.
Additionally, we will welcome you and a friend of yours to the Black Forest Games headquarters for two days. You’ll get a TOUR OF THE STUDIO and exclusive, hands-on testing of the game! After that, you can test your mettle in a paintball match against the BFG squad. You will be accommodated at the EUROPA PARK, to which you get VIP access to enjoy it’s attractions on day 2 of your visit !

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

LEGENDARY PACK - To us, YOU ARE LEGEND ! All benefits of the MEET THE MAKERS PACK are included in this tier. To make your visit even more special, we will create a commemorative bust of you (or your likeness). We will place this not only in our offices but will also include a digital version in every future game we create (we reserve the right to ask for resubmissions if the pictures are unacceptable due to rating or content considerations). Your contribution to our project and our company will forever be remembered!